3-278-984-11(1)
Digital Video Camera Recorder

Getting Started 9

Operating Guide

Recording/ 17 Playback

Using the Menu Dubbing/Editing 58 68
DCR-HC51E/HC52E/ HC53E/HC54E
Using a Computer Troubleshooting Additional Information Quick Reference

2008 Sony Corporation

Read this first
Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC54E Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

CAUTION

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
For customers in the U.S.A.
If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Center 1-800222-SONY (7669). The number below is for the FCC related matters only.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-HC52E Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone number: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (i.LINK, etc.) again.

Battery pack

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 1080075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61,70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
Notice for customers in the United Kingdom
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362 (i.e., marked with an or mark) must be used. If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

FOR CUSTOMERS IN EUROPE

ATTENTION
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit. This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Continued ,

Read thid first (Continued)
Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potentially negative consequences for the environment and human health which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of the battery. The recycling of the materials will help to conserve natural resources. In case of products that for safety, performance or data integrity reasons require a permanent connection with an incorporated battery, this battery should be replaced by qualified service staff only. To ensure that the battery will be treated properly, hand over the product at end-oflife to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. For all other batteries, please view the section on how to remove the battery from the product safely. Hand the battery over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of waste batteries. For more detailed information about recycling of this product or battery, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

About the Carl Zeiss lens
Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images. It adopts the MTF* measurement system for
video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.
* MTF stands for Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

Table of Contents

Read this first.. 2

Notes on use.. 4

Using the Menu
Using the menu items.. 28
Operation button items..29 Menu items..36 MANUAL SET menu.37

P EFFECT

Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items..9 Step 2: Charging the battery pack... 10 Step 3: Turning the power on and setting the date and time. 13
Changing the language setting... 14

CAMERA SET menu.38

D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/ STEADYSHOT, etc.
PLAYER SET/ VCR SET menu..39

AUDIO MIX

LCD/VF SET menu..40
LCD B.L./LCD COLOR/VF B.L., etc
Step 4: Making setting adjustments before recording. 15 Step 5: Inserting a Cassette. 16

TAPE SET menu.41

REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/ REMAIN

SETUP MENU menu.41

Recording/Playback
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam).. 17 Recording.. 19
Zooming.. 20 Recording in dark places (NightShot plus). 20 Adjusting the exposure for backlit subjects. 21 Recording in mirror mode. 21
USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc.

OTHERS menu.42

WORLD TIME, etc.

Dubbing/Editing

Dubbing to VCR or DVD/HDD recorders..43 Recording pictures from a VCR, etc. (DCR-HC52E/HC54E)..45
Playback.. 22 Using the guide functions (USAGE GUIDE). 23 Searching for the starting point.. 24
Searching for the last scene of the most recent recording (END SEARCH). 24 Searching manually (EDIT SEARCH). 24 Reviewing the most recently recorded scenes (Rec review).. 24

Using a Computer

What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC53E/54E).47 Installing the First Step Guide and software (DCR-HC53E/54E).48 Viewing First Step Guide (DCRHC53E/54E)..50

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting..51 Warning indicators and messages...56
Playing the picture on a TV.. 26
Table of Contents (Continued)

Additional Information

Using your camcorder abroad. 58 Maintenance and precautions. 59
Usable cassette tapes. 59 About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack.. 60 About i.LINK.. 61 On using your camcorder. 62

1 Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn

on the CAMERA lamp.

If the POWER switch A is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.

2 Press EASY C.

appears on the screen D.
3 Press REC START/STOP B (or E) to start recording.*
The indicator (A) changes from [STBY] to [REC]. To stop recording, press REC START/ STOP again.

60min REC 0:00:00

* During Easy Handycam operation, you can only record in the SP mode.
Easy Recording/Playback (Easy Handycam) (Continued)

Playback

Slide the POWER switch A in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the PLAY/EDIT lamp. Touch the buttons on the screen D as follows.
If the POWER switch is set to OFF(CHG), slide it while pressing the green button.
Touch , then touch start playback.
A GUIDE (p. 23) B Stop C Play/Pause toggles as you touch it D Rewind/Fast forward
x To cancel Easy Handycam operation
Press EASY C again. disappears from the screen D.
x Adjustable menu settings during Easy Handycam operation
Touch to display adjustable menu settings. See page 28 for details on setting.
Almost all the settings return to their defaults automatically (p. 36). Cancel Easy Handycam operation if you want to add any effects or settings to the images.
x Unavailable button during Easy Handycam
During Easy Handycam operation, the. (back light) button (p. 21) is unavailable. [Invalid during Easy Handycam operation.] appears if an attempted operation is not available in Easy Handycam mode.
Open the lens cover (p. 15).
POWER switch REC START/ STOP A

REC START/STOP B

Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
Press REC START/STOP A (or B).

[STBY]

To stop recording, press REC START/STOP A (or B) again.

Recording (Continued)

Zooming
You can magnify images up to 40 times the original size with the power zoom lever or the zoom buttons on the LCD frame.

To adjust the focus automatically, touch [AUTO] or set [FOCUS] to [AUTO].
If you set [SPOT FOCUS], [FOCUS] is automatically set to [MANUAL].
Operation button items (Continued)
SPOT METER (Flexible spot meter)
You can adjust and fix the exposure to the subject, so that it is recorded in suitable brightness even when there is strong contrast between the subject and the background, such as subjects in the spotlight on stage.
60min SPOT METER STBY 0:00:00

TWILIGHT* (

Select to maintain the darkening atmosphere of the distant surroundings in twilight scenes.
SUNRSSUNST* (Sunrise & Sunset) ( )
Select to maintain the atmosphere of situations such as sunsets and sunrises.
1 Touch the point where you want to fix and adjust the exposure on the screen. appears. 2 Touch [END].

LANDSCAPE* (

To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO] or set [EXPOSURE] to [AUTO].
If you set [SPOT METER], [EXPOSURE] is automatically set to [MANUAL].
Select to shoot distant subjects clearly. This setting also prevents your camcorder from focusing on glass or metal mesh in windows between the camcorder and the subject.
DISP GUIDE (Display Guide)*

See page 72.

PORTRAIT (Soft portrait) (
Select to bring out the subject such as people or flowers while creating a soft background.

See page 36.

SCENE SEL.
You can record pictures effectively in various situations with the SCENE SEL. function. B AUTO
Select to automatically record pictures effectively without the [SCENE SEL.] function.

SPOTLIGHT** (

Select to prevent peoples faces from appearing excessively white when subjects are lit by strong light.
SPORT** (Sports lesson) (

60min STBY 0:00:00

Select to minimize shake when shooting fast moving subjects.

AUTO EXPOSURE MANU AL

SNOW** (
Select this when shooting in very bright, white conditions, such as on a ski slope; otherwise pictures may appear too dark.
1 Touch [MANUAL]. appears. 2 Adjust the exposure by touching.
To return the setting to automatic exposure, touch [AUTO].

[PAGE2]

BEACH** ( )
Select to prevent peoples faces from appearing dark in strong light or reflected light, such as at a beach in midsummer.
You can add the following effects to currently recording pictures.

1 Select the desired effect in standby mode (to fade in) or recording mode (to fade out), then touch t. 2 Press REC START/STOP. The fader indicator stops flashing and disappears when the fade is complete.
* Adjusted to focus on subjects farther away only. **Adjusted not to focus on subjects a short distance away.
If you set [SCENE SEL], [WHT BAL] setting is canceled.
To cancel [FADER] before starting the operation, touch [OFF] in step 1. If you press REC START/STOP once, the setting is canceled.

END SCH (END SEARCH)

See page 24.

Fading out

Fading in

EXPOSURE

You can fix the brightness of a picture manually. Adjust the brightness when the subject is too bright or too dark.

MOSC. FADER

2 Frame a white object such as a piece of paper, to fill the screen under the same lighting conditions as you will shoot the subject. 3 Touch. flashes quickly. When the white balance has been adjusted and stored in the memory, the indicator stops flashing. b Notes
Set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO] or [ONE PUSH] under white or cool white fluorescent lamps. When you select [ONE PUSH], keep framing white object while is flashing quickly. flashes slowly if [ONE PUSH] could not be set. When [ONE PUSH] was selected, if keeps flashing after touching , set [WHT BAL] to [AUTO]. If you set [WHT BAL], [SCENE SEL] setting is canceled.
MONOTONE When fading in, the picture gradually changes from black and white to color. When fading out, it gradually changes from color to black and white.

WHT BAL (White balance)

You can adjust the color balance to the brightness of the recording environment. B AUTO
The white balance is adjusted automatically.
If you have changed the battery pack while [AUTO] was selected, or taken your camcorder outdoors after inside use with the [EXPOSURE] set (or vice versa), select [AUTO] and aim your camcorder at a nearby white object for about 10 seconds for better color balance adjustment. When the white balance has been set with [ONE PUSH], if you change the [SCENE SEL.] settings, or bring your camcorder outdoors from inside the house, or vice versa, you need to redo the [ONE PUSH] procedure to readjust the white balance.

REC MODE (DCR-HC51E/HC53E) REC MODE (DCR-HC52E/HC54E) AUDIO MODE REMAIN

SETUP MENU menu (p. 41)

USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/HC54E) LANGUAGE DEMO MODE

OTHERS menu (p. 42)

WORLD TIME A.SHUT OFF DISP OUT GUIDEFRAME
* The value set before Easy Handycam operation will be retained during Easy Handycam operation.

MANUAL SET menu

P EFFECT The default setting is marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 28 for details on selecting menu items. MOSAIC*
Pictures appear mosaic-patterned.
P EFFECT (Picture effect)
You can add special effects to a picture during recording or playback. appears. B OFF
Does not use [P EFFECT] setting.
* Not available during playback.
Effects added to the playback pictures are not output via the DV Interface (i.LINK). Only the original pictures can be output. For DCR-HC52E/HC54E: You cannot add effects to externally input pictures.

NEG.ART

The color and brightness are reversed.
You can record pictures edited with special effects on another VCR/DVD device, etc. (p. 43).
Pictures appear in sepia.

B&W

Pictures appear in black and white.

SOLARIZE

Pictures appear as an illustration with strong contrast.

PASTEL*

Pictures appear as a pale pastel drawing.

CAMERA SET menu

D ZOOM/WIDE SEL/STEADYSHOT, etc. The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 28 for details on selecting menu items. B 4:3
Standard setting (to record pictures to be played back on a 4:3 TV).

16:9 WIDE (

Records pictures to be played back on a 16:9 wide TV in full screen mode.
When viewed on the LCD screen/viewfinder with [16:9 WIDE] selected.

D ZOOM (Digital zoom)

You can select the maximum zoom level in case you want to zoom to a level greater than 40 (the default setting) while recording on a tape. Note that the image quality decreases when you are using the digital zoom.
When viewed on a 16:9 wide screen TV*
When viewed on a standard TV**
The right side of the bar shows the digital zooming factor. The zooming zone appears when you select the zooming level.
* Picture appears in full screen mode when the wide-screen TV switches to full mode. ** Played in 4:3 mode. When you play a picture in the wide mode, it appears as you saw it on the LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

Normal setting (standard type of display)

BRIGHT

Brightens the LCD screen. b Notes

SQUEEZE

Expands the picture vertically if black bands at the top and bottom in 16:9 aspect ratio are undesirable.

LCD COLOR

You can adjust the color on the LCD screen with /. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation.

Low intensity

High intensity
VF B.L. (Viewfinder back light)
You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder. The recorded picture will not be affected by this operation. B BRT NORMAL
Brightens the viewfinder screen.

TAPE SET menu

REC MODE/AUDIO MODE/REMAIN The default settings are marked with B. The indicators in parentheses appear when the items are selected. See page 28 for details on selecting menu items.

SETUP MENU menu

USB STREAM/LANGUAGE, etc. See page 28 for details on selecting menu items.
REC MODE (Recording mode)

B SP (SP)

Records in the SP (Standard Play) mode on a cassette.
USB STREAM (DCR-HC53E/ HC54E)
You can view the pictures displayed on the screen of your camcorder on your computer (USB Streaming) via the USB cable. See First Step Guide in the supplied CDROM for details (p. 50).

LP (LP)

Increases the recording time to 1.5 times the SP mode (Long Play). b Notes
If you record in the LP mode, pictures may appear mosaic-like or sound may be interrupted when you play back the tape on other camcorders or VCRs. When you mix recordings in the SP mode and in the LP mode on one tape, the playback picture may be distorted or the time code may not be written properly between the scenes.

LANGUAGE

You can select the language to be used on the LCD screen.
Your camcorder offers [ENG[SIMP]] (simplified English) for when you cannot find your native tongue among the options.

DEMO MODE

The default setting is [ON], allowing you to view the demonstration about 10 minutes after you have removed a cassette from your camcorder, and slide the POWER switch repeatedly to turn on the CAMERA lamp.
The demonstration will be suspended in situations such as those described below. When you touch the screen during the demonstration. (The demonstration starts again after about 10 minutes.) When a cassette is inserted. When the POWER switch is set to other than CAMERA.

AUDIO MODE

B 12BIT
Records in the 12-bit mode (2 stereo sounds).

16BIT (

Records in the 16-bit mode (1 stereo sound with high quality).

REMAIN

B AUTO
Displays the remaining tape indicator for about 8 seconds in situations such as those described below.
When you set the POWER switch to PLAY/ EDIT or CAMERA with a cassette inserted. When you touch (Play/Pause).

x Editing movies imported to a computer
You can edit imported movies on a computer.
x Exporting movies from your computer to your camcorder
You can export movies that have been imported to a computer from your camcorder, back to your camcorder.
What you can do with Windows computer (DCR-HC53E/54E) (Continued)
Memory: 256 MB or more Hard disk: Disc volume required for installation: Approximately 350 MB Display: Minimum dots Others: USB port (this must be provided as standard, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compatible) is recommended), DV Interface (IEEE1394, i.LINK) (to connect via an i.LINK cable), disc drive (CD-ROM drive is necessary for installation)
Operations are not guaranteed on a computer environment that does not meet the system requirements. Operations are not guaranteed on all the recommended environments. For example, other open or background applications running on currently may limit product performance. If you use a Notebook PC, connect it to the AC Adaptor as the power source. Otherwise, the software will not work properly due to the power saving function of the PC.
Installing the First Step Guide and software (DCR-HC53E/ 54E)
You need to install the First Step Guide and software to your Windows computer before connecting your camcorder to the computer. The installation is required only for the first time. Contents to be installed and procedures may differ depending on your OS.
Installing the First Step Guide
1 Confirm that your camcorder is
not connected to the computer.

2 Turn on the computer.

Log on as an Administrator for installation. Close all applications running on the computer before installing the software.
3 Place the supplied CD-ROM in the
disc drive of your computer. The installation screen appears.
If the screen does not appear
1 Click [Start], then click [My Computer]. (For Windows 2000, double-click [My Computer].) 2 Double-click [SONYPICTUTIL (E:)] (CD-ROM) (disc drive).*
* Drive names (such as (E:)) may vary depending on the computer.
4 Click [FirstStepGuide].
5 Select the desired language and
the model name of your camcorder from the pull-down menu.

The buttons do not appear on the touch panel.
Touch the LCD screen lightly. Press DISP/BATT INFO on your camcorder (p. 69).
The CHG (charge) lamp flashes while the battery pack is being charged.
Attach the battery pack to the camcorder correctly (p. 10). If the problem persists, disconnect the AC Adaptor from the wall outlet (wall socket) and contact your Sony dealer. The battery pack may be worn-out.
The buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly or do not work at all.
Adjust the touch panel ([CALIBRATION]) (p. 63).
Menu items are grayed out. The remaining battery time indicator does not indicate the correct time.
Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be wornout. Replace it with a new one (p. 10, 60). The indicated time may not be correct in certain circumstances. For example, when you open or close the LCD panel, it takes about 1 minute to display the correct remaining battery time. You cannot select grayed items in the current recording/playback situation.
The picture in the viewfinder is not clear.
Move the viewfinder lens adjustment lever until the picture appears clearly (p. 15).
The picture in the viewfinder has disappeared.
Close the LCD panel. The picture is not displayed in the viewfinder when the LCD panel is open (p. 15).
The battery pack discharges too quickly.
Ambient temperature is too high or too low, or the battery pack has not been charged enough. This is not a malfunction. Fully charge the battery again. If the problem persists, the battery may be wornout. Replace it with a new one (p. 10, 60).
Dots in lines appear on the LCD screen.
This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded.

Cassette tapes

The cassette cannot be ejected from the compartment.
Make sure the power source (battery pack or AC Adaptor) is connected correctly (p. 10). Moisture condensation has occurred inside the camcorder (p. 62).

LCD screen/viewfinder

A rippling effect appears on the LCD screen when you touch it.
This is not a malfunction. Do not press hard on the LCD screen.
The Cassette Memory indicator or title display does not appear while using a cassette with Cassette Memory.
This camcorder does not support Cassette Memory, so the indicator does not appear.
Avoid stopping then recording a movie in the LP mode.

Moisture condensation has occurred (p. 62). The self-diagnosis display code is displayed (p. 56).
* You hear a melody when the warning indicators appear on the screen (p. 32).

E:61:ss / E:62:ss

Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Inform
Examples of warning messages
If messages appear on the screen, follow the instructions. %Z Moisture condensation. Eject the cassette (p. 62) % Moisture condensation. Turn off for 1H. (p. 62) Z Reinsert the cassette. (p. 16)
Check if the cassette is damaged.
QZ The tape is locked - check the tab. (p. 59)
Using your camcorder abroad

Power supply

You can use your camcorder in any country/region using the AC Adaptor supplied with your camcorder within the AC 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz range.

On TV color systems

Your camcorder is PAL system, so its picture can only be viewed on a PAL system TV with an AUDIO/VIDEO input jack.

System Used in

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, etc. Brazil Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay. Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc. Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.

PAL - M PAL - N SECAM

Simple setting of the clock by time difference
You can easily set the clock to the local time abroad by entering the time difference between where you live and where you are. Select [WORLD TIME] in the (OTHERS) menu, then set the time difference (p. 42).
Maintenance and precautions

Usable cassette tapes

You can use mini DV format cassettes only. Use a cassette with the mark. Your camcorder is not compatible with the Cassette Memory function. x To prevent accidental erasure Slide the write-protect tab on the cassette to set it to SAVE.
To prevent a blank section from being created on the tape
Go to the end of the recorded section using END SEARCH (p. 24) before you begin the next recording in the following cases:
You have played back the tape. You have used EDIT SEARCH.
REC: The cassette can be recorded. SAVE: The cassette cannot be recorded (write-protected).

REC SAVE

Copyright signal
x When you play back If the cassette you play back on your camcorder contains copyright signals, you cannot copy it to a tape in another video camera connected to your camcorder. x For DCR-HC52E/HC54E: When you record You cannot record software on your camcorder that contains copyright control signals for copyright protection of software. [Cannot record due to copyright protection.] appears on the LCD screen, or on the viewfinder if you try to record such software. Your camcorder does not record copyright control signals on the tape when it records.

x When labeling the cassette Be sure to place the label only on the locations shown in the following illustration so as not to cause a malfunction of your camcorder.
Do not put a label along this border.

Labeling position

x After using the cassette Rewind the tape to the beginning to avoid distortion of the picture or the sound. The cassette should then be put in its case, and stored in an upright position. x When cleaning the gold-plated connector Generally, clean the gold-plated connector on a cassette with a cotton-wool swab after every 10 times it has been ejected. If the gold-plated connector on the cassette is dirty or dusty, the remaining tape indicator may not show correctly.
x When not using your camcorder for a long time Remove the cassette and store it.

Gold-plated connector

Maintenance and precautions (Continued)
About the InfoLITHIUM battery pack
This unit is compatible with an InfoLITHIUM battery pack (H series). Your camcorder operates only with an InfoLITHIUM battery pack. InfoLITHIUM H series battery packs have the mark.
What is an InfoLITHIUM battery pack?
An InfoLITHIUM battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions for communicating information related to operating conditions between your camcorder and an optional AC Adaptor/ charger. The InfoLITHIUM battery pack calculates the power consumption according to the operating conditions of your camcorder, and displays the remaining battery time in minutes.
Use a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/ FH100 (optional). Frequent use of the LCD screen or a frequent playback, fast forward or rewind operation wears out the battery pack faster. We recommend using a large capacity battery pack: NP-FH70/FH100 (optional). Be sure to set the POWER switch to OFF(CHG) when not recording or playing back on your camcorder. The battery pack is also consumed when your camcorder is in recording standby or playback pause. Have spare battery packs ready for two or three times the expected recording time, and make trial recordings before making the actual recording. Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water resistant.
About the remaining battery time indicator
When the power goes off even though the remaining battery time indicator indicates that the battery pack has enough power to operate, charge the battery pack fully again. Remaining battery time will be indicated correctly. Note, however, that the battery indication will not be restored if it is used in high temperatures for a long time, or if left in a fully charged state, or when the battery pack is frequently used. Use the remaining battery time indication as a rough guide only. The E mark that indicates low battery flashes even if there are still 5 to 10 minutes of battery time remaining, depending on the operating conditions or ambient temperature.

To charge the battery pack
Be sure to charge the battery pack before you start using your camcorder. We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 C to 30 C (50 F to 86 F) until the CHG (charge) lamp turns off. If you charge the battery pack outside of this temperature range, you may not be able to charge it efficiently. When charging the battery pack while the AC Adaptor is connected to your camcorder, after charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the DC IN jack on your camcorder or remove the battery pack.
About storage of the battery pack
If the battery pack is not used for a long time, fully charge the battery pack and use it up on your camcorder once a year to maintain proper function. To store the battery pack, remove it from your camcorder and put it in a dry, cool place. To discharge the battery pack on your camcorder completely, set [A.SHUT OFF] to [NEVER] on the (OTHERS) menu and leave your camcorder in tape recording standby until the power goes off (p. 42).
To use the battery pack effectively
Battery pack performance decreases when the surrounding temperature is 10 C (50 F) or below, and the length of time you can use the battery pack becomes shorter. In that case, do one of the following to use the battery pack for a longer time. Put the battery pack in a pocket to warm it up, and insert it in your camcorder right before you start taking shots.

About battery life

Battery capacity decreases over time and through repeated use. If decreased usage time between charges becomes significant, it is probably time to replace it with a new one. Each batterys life is governed by storage, operating and environmental conditions.
IEEE 1394 is an international standard standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
About the i.LINK Baud rate
i.LINKs maximum baud rate varies according to the device. There are 3 types. S100 (approx. 100Mbps*) S200 (approx. 200Mbps) S400 (approx. 400Mbps) The baud rate is listed under Specifications in the operating instructions of each piece of equipment. It is also indicated near the i.LINK interface on some devices. The baud rate may differ from the indicated value when the unit is connected to a device with a different maximum baud rate.

* What is Mbps?

About i.LINK
The DV Interface on this unit is an i.LINKcompliant DV Interface. This section describes the i.LINK standard and its features.

What is i.LINK?

i.LINK is a digital serial interface for transferring digital video, digital audio, and other data to other i.LINK-compatible devices. You can also control other devices using the i.LINK. i.LINK-compatible devices can be connected using an i.LINK cable. Possible applications are operations and data transactions with various digital AV devices. When two or more i.LINK-compatible devices are daisy-chained with the unit, operation becomes possible from any device in the chain. Note that operation method may vary, or data transactions may not be possible, depending on specifications and characteristics of the connected devices.